My Partners (2025) by Eva KÜBAR

My Partners” (Estonian: “Minu kallimad”) is a 2025 documentary directed by Eva Kübar that offers an intimate exploration into the lives of three couples from Estonia and Germany as they navigate the complexities of open relationships. The film provides a candid look at their experiences with free love, capturing their efforts to find new partners without ending their current relationships. Throughout their journey, they seek guidance from mentors, psychologists, shamans, dancers, and meditation experts. Over several years, Kübar observes their sexual intimacy, desires, and insecurities, presenting their stories without judgment.

The documentary follows three couples—Riita Jaup and Taavi Reiss from Estonia, and Kay and Beate Nicolaus from Germany—as they delve into the realm of open relationships. Each couple embarks on a journey to explore free love, seeking to expand their partnerships without dissolving their existing bonds. They engage with various experts, including psychologists, shamans, dancers, and meditation practitioners, to navigate the emotional and physical complexities of non-monogamy. The film captures their experiences over several years, highlighting moments of intimacy, vulnerability, and personal growth.

Eva Kübar approaches the subject matter with a non-judgmental lens, aiming to authentically portray the emotional landscapes of individuals exploring non-monogamous relationships. Her observational style allows the participants’ stories to unfold organically, providing viewers with a nuanced understanding of their motivations and challenges.

• Exploration of Non-Monogamy: The film examines the dynamics of open relationships, shedding light on the motivations and challenges faced by those who practice free love.

• Emotional Complexity: It delves into the feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and joy that arise as couples expand their partnerships.

• Cultural Perspectives: By featuring couples from Estonia and Germany, the documentary offers insights into how different cultural backgrounds influence approaches to non-traditional relationships.

1. Intimate and Unfiltered Access

   • The documentary follows three real-life couples over several years, capturing their evolving emotions, struggles, and successes in open relationships.

   • Eva Kübar’s observational approach allows for authentic storytelling, making the film feel deeply personal and relatable.

2. Timely and Relevant Subject Matter

   • Non-monogamy and alternative relationship structures are increasingly discussed in modern society.

   • The film taps into the growing public curiosity about polyamory, open relationships, and evolving definitions of love and commitment.

3. Strong Directorial Vision

   • Eva Kübar’s direction brings a balanced, non-judgmental perspective to the subject, allowing viewers to form their own opinions.

   • Her ability to create a safe space for her subjects leads to candid conversations and vulnerable moments on screen.

4. Cultural Diversity and Perspective

   • Featuring couples from Estonia and Germany, My Partners explores how different cultural backgrounds influence the practice and perception of open relationships.

   • This comparative approach broadens the documentary’s appeal and offers global relevance.

5. Emotional Depth and Psychological Exploration

   • The film does not just document actions; it delves into the emotional and psychological impact of non-monogamy.

   • Themes of jealousy, insecurity, self-growth, and trust-building add layers of complexity, making the film compelling beyond its central premise.

6. Engagement with Experts

   • Couples consult mentors, psychologists, shamans, and meditation experts, giving the audience insight into various philosophies and coping mechanisms within non-traditional relationships.

   • This makes the film not only a documentary but also an informative guide for those curious about the topic.

7. Film Festival Recognition

   • Premiering at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) and being scheduled for a 2025 theatrical release increase its credibility and reach.

   • Festival screenings help generate buzz and media coverage, attracting wider audiences.

8. Visually Engaging Cinematic Style

   • The documentary’s cinematography captures both intimate moments and broader cultural contexts, visually enhancing the storytelling.

   • The use of real-life settings and natural lighting adds to the authenticity of the film.

9. Conversation Starter on Relationship Norms

   • My Partners challenges traditional views on love and commitment, making it a thought-provoking watch for audiences interested in human psychology and modern relationship dynamics.

   • It encourages dialogue on whether societal norms around monogamy are evolving or should be reevaluated.

10. Potential for Global Distribution

11. With increasing interest in unconventional relationship structures worldwide, the film has strong potential for international distribution and streaming success.

12. Its themes resonate beyond Estonia and Germany, making it relevant to global audiences.

Short Summary of My Partners (2025)

My Partners (Estonian: Minu kallimad) is a 2025 documentary directed by Eva Kübar that explores the complexities of open relationships. Following three couples from Estonia and Germany, the film captures their journey as they navigate non-monogamy, seeking new partners while maintaining their existing relationships. Through intimate storytelling, the documentary delves into themes of love, trust, jealousy, and personal growth, featuring guidance from psychologists, shamans, and relationship mentors. With its raw and non-judgmental approach, My Partners provides a thought-provoking look at modern relationship dynamics and the evolving nature of love.

Critics have offered mixed reviews. While acknowledging the film’s ambition and the intimate access it provides, some have noted issues with its approach. DMovies described it as a “contrived documentary,” suggesting a perception of artificiality in its presentation.

“My Partners” was produced by Moonwalker Film, an Estonian production company. The documentary was filmed over several years, capturing the evolving dynamics of the featured couples as they explored open relationships. The production aimed to provide an authentic and respectful portrayal of their experiences, with a focus on intimacy and personal growth.

The film has been showcased at various film festivals, including the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in late 2024. Distribution Company: FilmDelights

• Theatrical Release: Scheduled for March 14, 2025.

• Streaming/VOD Release: As of February 2025, specific release dates for streaming or Video on Demand platforms have not been announced.

1. A Unique Perspective on Love and Relationships

   • The documentary explores open relationships through real-life experiences, offering an intimate and thought-provoking look at modern love beyond monogamy.

   • It challenges traditional norms and encourages viewers to reflect on the evolving definitions of commitment and intimacy.

2. Raw and Authentic Storytelling

   • Director Eva Kübar adopts an observational approach, allowing couples to share their personal journeys without interference or judgment.

   • The film captures both the joys and struggles of non-monogamous relationships, making it a deeply human and emotional experience.

3. Emotional Depth and Psychological Exploration

   • My Partners delves into the psychological aspects of open relationships, including jealousy, trust, communication, and personal growth.

   • The film does not romanticize non-monogamy but instead presents it as a complex, deeply personal choice.

4. Culturally Diverse Narratives

   • Featuring couples from Estonia and Germany, the film offers a comparative look at how different cultures approach open relationships.

   • This adds richness to the documentary, making it relevant to international audiences.

5. Engaging with Experts

   • The documentary incorporates insights from psychologists, shamans, meditation experts, and relationship mentors, providing a deeper understanding of the emotional and spiritual aspects of free love.

   • These expert perspectives help audiences navigate the complexities of alternative relationship structures.

6. A Cinematic and Visually Compelling Documentary

   • The film’s natural, intimate cinematography enhances its authenticity, making viewers feel like they are experiencing the journey alongside the couples.

   • Its ability to capture raw emotions and private moments makes it stand out from traditional relationship documentaries.

7. Film Festival Recognition and Industry Buzz

   • Premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), one of the most respected film festivals in Europe.

   • The film’s festival screenings and upcoming theatrical release in March 2025 contribute to its credibility and critical appeal.

8. A Conversation Starter

   • Whether you practice monogamy or are curious about alternative relationship structures, My Partners sparks discussions about love, commitment, and emotional needs.

   • It invites audiences to question societal norms and reflect on their own views about relationships.

9. A Thought-Provoking and Bold Documentary

   • Unlike mainstream love stories, My Partners focuses on real people confronting real emotional dilemmas, making it more relatable and engaging.

   • It’s a rare glimpse into a topic that remains widely misunderstood, making it an essential watch for those interested in human relationships and personal growth.

Why You Should Watch “My Partners”

• Authentic Representation: Provides an unfiltered look into the lives of individuals practicing open relationships, offering perspectives rarely seen in mainstream media.

• Thought-Provoking Content: Challenges conventional notions of love and commitment, prompting viewers to reflect on the diversity of human relationships.

• Cultural Insight: Offers a comparative view of how different societies approach the concept of free love and non-monogamy.

“My Partners” is a compelling documentary that explores the multifaceted nature of love and relationships beyond traditional monogamy. Eva Kübar’s empathetic direction provides a platform for candid discussions, making it a significant contribution to contemporary documentary cinema.